tonight, from the american museum of natural history in new york city, a cnn heroes tradition continues. we're here to honor everyday men and women who work tirelessly to change the world. >> you honor people who are heroes. it's incredible. >> i'm very humbled to actually be taking part because i've been a fan of it and i've watched it for many years. >> this is the kind of event that you sort of wish there were more and more of. >> this is fantastic. who couldn't stay away? >> stars from television and film, music, sports, and comedy have gathered to celebrate these ten extraordinary individuals. >> these are amazing people and they're doing really serious work. >> it's nice that it's actually about real people doing real good things. >> teaches us that we can make a difference.

>> now it's time to meet the heroes, learn the stories behind their inspiring work, and find out who you chose as hero of the year. this is "cnn heroes: an all-star tribute." >> ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your host for the evening, anderson cooper. >> thank you very much. and welcome to "cnn heroes: an all-star tribute." we're here in the whale room to honor the generosity and hard work of men and women who are changing the world. "cnn heroes: an all-star tribute", also known as the night that i put on a suit and try not to cry in front of everybody. we are taught to suppress our emotions, but it's hard on a night like tonight. you're going to get to meet ten real-life heroes tonight, who reach out a hand to the poor,

protect the environment, and do so much more. throughout the night, i hope you'll be involved and get involved with their work. while you're watching, you can also follow along on facebook, instagram, and twitter. you can also log on to cnnheroes.com where you'll see ways to interact and even donate during the show. cnn has given each of our heroes $15,000 so they can continue to do their important work. later tonight, one of the honorees will be named the 2013 cnn hero of the year and receive an additional $250,000. [ applause ] now, it was my idea to give the runner-up a great big bear hug from the toronto mayor rob ford. that idea was nixed. i don't understand why. i'm not sure why. that will not be happening. our first hero tonight reaches out her hand to boys and girls in the united states who are neglected or abused and placed into foster care. she's devoted her life to making their lives better.

to tell us her story is the founder of the compound foundation which creates opportunities for youth in foster and group homes, grammy award-winning singer ne-yo. [ applause ] >> circumstance, no matter how bad they may be, shouldn't dictate where we go in life. right now, we've got more than 400,000 kids in foster care system who feel like their wishes will never come true. that's why danielle gletow works to grant everyone. her first foster child arrived in a dirty onesie and an oversized coat. child after child showed up with next to nothing, but that didn't stop them from being kids and wishing for a book or a new pair of shoes or to take a music class. most kids can ask their mom and dad for that stuff, and now foster kids can ask danielle. she started one simple wish.

if a child has a need, danielle posts it online and anyone can go to the site and make a kid's day brighter. when we showed them that they're loved, their circumstances change. they can do more than just wish. they can start to dream and dream big. the way this works is simple, beautiful, and powerful. so meet gigi. her wish is for her very own doll. >> she would sit by me, go on a swing, play with me, make her try to walk, sleep with me, and she can eat. did i already say play? my wish is to have my own american doll. >> this little girl has had a traumatic first few years of her life. gigi came to the foster home without much of her own. she had no opportunity to just enjoy playing.

>> my sister, if she wants this doll back, then what am i going to have? >> her foster sister riley has american girl doll that gigi loves playing with. >> she will want it back, i know. >> kids in foster care, not only do they not belong anywhere, but nothing belongs to them. >> come in! >> okay. >> when they have something that they can keep with them, that is familiar, that gives them comfort, i think it does a lot for making them just feel more secure. and a little bit more like the rest of the kids. >> we'll go to the beach together, have fun together, swimming in the ocean. >> you know, it isn't about the doll. it's not stuff. to believe that good things can happen to them i think can be life-changing. and it could be as simple as a doll.

>> hey, gigi, do you have a doll you play with? >> like american doll? >> you can show me it? where's sissy's doll? >> that one's sissy's. >> and whose is that? do you know whose doll that is? it's your very own american doll. >> can i open it? >> you sure can. >> the magic of getting something that is only yours. she'll have that memory of being the first person to get to hold her right out of the box. >> whoa. i want to go show everybody. >> look at my own american doll! that looks like me. >> when i get to see a child have a moment of pure happiness, knowing what they've been through, i feel like i'm getting a chance to give these kids just one moment of feeling loved.

>> ding-dong, time to wake up. >> there are hundreds of thousands of kids just like gigi that need to know that there is a lot of goodness in this world. that's kind of what these wishes granted are, it's this love. it's showing these kids love that you hope stays with them. [ applause ] >> ladies and gentlemen, please join me in honoring cnn hero danielle gletow. [ applause ]

>> sorry. i am such a mess. when i became a foster parent six years ago, i vowed to take care of as many children as i could. because these are america's invisible children. but one simple wish gives them a voice. and now cnn heroes is making that voice even louder. i truly hope that this is just the beginning of a whirlwind of love, support, and hope for children who really need to believe that wishes do come true. thank you so much. i love you, joe. thank you. [ applause ]

next on "cnn heroes," sarah silverman honors a feisty champion for children. and later, mariska hargitay. and a truly moving musical performance by sara bareilles. [ nurse ] i'm a hospice nurse. britta olsen is my patient. i spend long hours with her checking her heart rate, administering her medication, and just making her comfortable. one night britta told me about a tradition in denmark, "when a person dies," she said, "someone must open the window so the soul can depart." i smiled and squeezed her hand. "not tonight, britta. not tonight." [ female announcer ] to nurses everywhere, thank you, from johnson & johnson.

welcome back to "cnn heroes." it's very easy in this day and age to assume that everyone is online, that everyone is digitally connected. but the reality is that 60% of low-income families do not have access in their homes to the internet or to computers. you're about to meet one extraordinary woman who is trying to bridge that digital divide. here to tell us about her is a proud supporter of the trevor project and the star of the hbo special "we are miracles," sarah silverman. [ applause ] >> our next hero started working at the age of 6. she is the daughter of migrant farm workers and picked baskets

of beans from florida to new york and back again. what estella pyfrom learned moving from town to town was that an education was the ticket to a better life. so she studied hard and spent 50 years as an educator in the palm beach county school system. when retirement rolled up, estella was like, i'm not tired, yet. see, there were students who still really needed her, and at the age of 71, estella had a brilliant idea. she used her savings and found this amazing way to bring computers and technology to underserved areas. thousands of people have been helped because this great woman is a genius with the energy, the heart, and smarts to close a divide that's pulled us apart for too darn long. >> my name is estella pyfrom. i am 76 years young.

he said "keys." during my lifetime, i never felt out of sync with my communities. we have extra bread. take as much bread as you like. >> okay, thank you. >> i grew up in these neighborhoods. i've worked with these families for more than 50 years. i taught their children. i taught their grandchildren. i know what's going on in the neighborhoods. in today's time, many of our children don't have computers at home. and low-income families don't have transportation to get to where the computers are. as i was coming up to the age of retirement, i decided that i wasn't quite ready to just go home and sit in a rocking chair.

i had more to offer. i figured out a way to bring technology into the neighborhood. estella's brilliant bus -- >> on the way to the brilliant bus! >> this is a way that students and families can be more informed. >> you know the password? >> more educated. more connected in the world. make sure that as you go through the lessons, do this as much as possible. okay? >> kids who don't have access to computers will be left behind. >> math, science, social studies. it's all available to the students. how are we doing here?

once they get on this bus, they have -- they are glued to these computers. i had a five-year financial plan to be able to build and keep the brilliant bus. i'm proud to say that i just made my last payment on the brilliant bus. so it is here to stay. we're on the move. [ applause ] >> get on the bus, everybody. it is my honor to present cnn hero estella pyfrom. [ applause ]

>> i'd like to say thanks to almighty god, my family, dedicated volunteers and supporters. i am giving the world the best that i have and the best is coming back to me. and as you continue to support me in my project, we will continue to move across the states, across the nation, and around the world to continue to make a difference in the lives of many people. the kids call me the gadget lady. but the bus is just a big gadget with a mission on a movement. i love you, i thank you, i thank you so very much. [ applause ]

we're often reminded that the need for heroes, for people who rise up and help others, it's always growing. it never stops. in the past several weeks alone, we've seen the devastation of tornados touching down here in the united states. we've seen in the philippines the super typhoon which decimated towns and villages, killing thousands of people. i'll never forget the people i met searching for the bodies of their children all alone amidst the rubble and debris without help. among those responding to the typhoon was ephraim, who was honored in 2009 for his work, educating kids in the slums of philippines. he put his push cart classrooms to work these last several weeks, encouraging people to donate to the victims of the

typhoon and he helped raise 30 million pesos in a nationwide telethon. other heroes have helped to rush the aid, the vulnerable, and help people who have been devastated in the philippines. 2009 hero doc henley is here with us tonight. doc, where are you? [ applause ] doc is awesome. and that's the extraordinary thing about our cnn heroes. their work never ends. their work never ceases. with each passing year, they keep rolling up their sleeves and they keep helping the world. bombings, wildfires, floods, and tornados. so many people 2013 brought unimaginable devastation. >> live pictures of a funnel cloud that has just developed. >> in oklahoma, thousands were struck without warning.

>> stuff's flying everywhere. >> 2008 hero tad was at the elementary school within hours trying to save lives. >> we were digging through an area where we thought there could be some young children trapped. seeing the desks, these are the paper that children had written on. it just stopped me in my tracks. >> in colorado, as homes were being washed away, 2011 hero wilma millville dispatched her search dogs to find survivors. >> breaking overnight, 19 firefighters are lost. >> in arizona, the hearts of 19 families broken, an entire community in shock. 2008 hero vickie miner rushed in, bringing comfort and support to grieving families. >> i love these firefighters. i will do anything to protect them and help them. >> in boston -- >> two explosions at the finish line.

>> an act of violence inspired incredible strength and courage. in the aftermath of the tragedy, 2012 hero dick trone is inspiring sudden amputees to become athletes. and in new york, 2011 hero jeff commemorated the anniversary of 9/11 with his throng of survivor volunteers. rebuilding the homes of first responders who lost everything during superstorm sandy. >> this is about the people. at the end of day, it's about giving hope. >> these heroes are our heroes. they teach us that service to others never ends, and that new beginnings are always possible. next on "cnn heroes," josh lucas and some laughs from jim gaffigan. and still to come, kelly ripa and michael strahan.

welcome back to the program. there are more than 21 million military veterans in the united states, and for too many of them, life here at home is a

struggle. nearly one in ten vets living with a disability are unemployed right now. 900,000 need food stamps just to make ends meet. things that would mike life easier for a disabled vet are sometimes impossible for them to afford. talking about a new ramp, a rehabbed bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair. but a brave veteran is committed to making their lives better. to share his new mission is a proud supporter of only make believe, a group devoted to entertaining sick kids. please help welcome josh lucas. [ applause ] >> thank you, anderson. i'm very, very proud to be here tonight underneath this magnificent whale, celebrating with cnn heroes what i think is the greatest thing a human being can do, which is to give back. now, our next cnn hero dale beatty said if you can speak honestly, then you don't have to use a teleprompter and you don't

have to memorize your speech. so i will at least do the first part without. almost 20 years ago, dale and his friend john, they became great friends, joined the national guard together, and they had a long, great friendship, you know, serving this country. and almost exactly nine years ago tonight, today, on a clear, crisp day in iraq, john was driving and dale was filming and they were telling stories and in a sense, having as good of a time they could have, when they were hit by a roadside bomb. their lives were immediately and instantly changed forever. dale had both of his legs amputated below the knee, and when he was in the recovery for the next year, he lied with his two young children and tried to figure out how he could build the home that he dreamed to build for him and his high school sweetheart and his two kids. and he honestly wasn't sure what

he was going to do. at this point, john, also injured, stepped back in and said with his community that they were going to build a home.

a deck and a ramp. there used to be a concrete sidewalk here. we busted that up, got it out of here. it doesn't sound like a lot, but the impact that it made was tremendous. and their emotions are being rehabbed as well. >> they made me realize the challenges that i've had to endure meant something.

they jump started me back into life. purple heart homes, it's a welcome home. it's great to be home after 40 years. >> regardless of when you serve, where you serve, we're all the same. we're all veterans. they just need to know that somebody does care about them. [ applause ] >> ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming cnn hero dale beatty. [ applause ]

>> thank you very much. i'm honored to be here, and i just want to thank those who aren't in the room that have helped me be here tonight. i'm humbled to be able to represent my organization and the culture of the united states veterans. i'm not the only hero in this room, and none of us as heroes stand alone. we may often stand in the front, but we cannot accomplish our respective missions without those who share our vision. i dedicate this to everyone who's been brave enough to create change and make a positive impact in our world. thank you. [ applause ]

please welcome a proud supporter of the bob woodruff foundation that helps wounded veterans and their families and possibly the only person here tonight who is paler than i am. i'm very happy to see him. comedian jim gaffigan. >> thank you. thank you. by the way, i am not that guy from "capote." that is the other out of shape pale good-looking guy. i am honored to be here. i tell you, i'm a comedian. i talk about eating and being lazy for a living. so when "cnn heroes" approached me and asked me to speak at this event where we honor selfless, tireless, generous people, i only had one question -- how much am i going to get paid?

and what award am i going to get? and i also asked if i could meet wolf blitzer. but tonight we honor amazing, amazing people. people that dedicate their lives to selflessly serve other people. it's really kind of weird, isn't it? because normally when we give and volunteer our time, we kind of secretly want something in return. we're kind of like well, do i get a t-shirt? is there going to be a meal? is someone at least going to have to run a 10k on my behalf? not these people. these people are amazing. you know, cnn heroes, they found ten amazing human beings. ten out of seven billion.

[ applause ] you know, ten. i heard that next year they're only going to be able to find nine. they're keeping their expectations -- but this is like the academy awards for good people. you know? it's pretty amazing. but i've been inspired. i've only cried twice. and we all have heros in our lives. my hero is my wife. i bought her from russia. no, i didn't. she really is my hero. i'm married to a beautiful woman, the type of woman that when i'm with her and people find out she's my wife, there's usually an audible "wow." which i suppose is flattering, but it hurts my feelings. i'm not a caveman. i love her, you know. and it's a relationship that we work on, like the other night, i was eating a pint of ice cream

and i finished it because i'm american, everyone. i took off the lid and i threw it away because i'm not a quitter. and my wife came in the room and she was like jim, are you going to eat an entire pint of ice cream by yourself? i was like hopefully. unless you selfishly want a bite. she was like jim, you have a 9-year-old daughter, don't you want to be at her wedding? i was like not really, no. wait, is there going to be ice cream at her wedding? i still don't want to go. i do enjoy being married. i like having someone looking out for me. and she wants me to live longer. we all want to live longer, right? but how much longer? right? you ever see old people, really old people, the look on their face. they always have that look like, ahh! i can't believe i'm still here! i would have eaten so much more ice cream. why did i ever consume kale?

can we stop with the kale propaganda? you know? can we stop that? can someone be my hero? kale is so good for you. it's inedible. it's inedible. like oh, all you have to do is freeze-dry it, cover it in cayenne peppers, bury it in the ground. it's like a really bitter spinach with hair. kale is so good for you. they could find out kale cures cancer and i'm pretty sure i'd still do the chemo, all right? i've tried the kale. but tonight, we celebrate, right? we're celebrating. i know some of you are going to be drinking and i'm not just talking about piers morgan. it's interesting.

you know, these heroes have earned a drink. it's amazing how our attitude on alcohol changes over time, right? because even as a teenager, you know it's bad for you. as a teenager, you're like yeah, well, i don't really like the taste of it, but it makes me look cool. and then when you're in your 20s, you're like well, you know, it gives me confidence to talk to the opposite sex. and then when you're in your 40s, you're like well, this is the only thing i like about being alive. anyway, thank you very much. [ applause ] coming up, alan cumming and jeffrey wright pay tribute to two more amazing heroes. and later, kelly ripa and michael strahan get down with a drill team from jersey to honor their hero. [ female announcer ] we give you relief from your cold symptoms.

you give them the giggles. tylenol cold® helps relieve your worst cold and flu symptoms. but for everything we do, we know you do so much more. tylenol cold®.

welcome back. throughout tonight's broadcast, please go to cnnheroes.com. you can support our heroes there and their work. you can also connect on instagram, on twitter and facebook. while you're there, you can tell your facebook friends to get involved as well. our heroes can certainly use all the support they can get, even from people you barely remember from high school who you know on facebook. with more than 13,000 children

diagnosed with cancer each year, many poor families struggle simply to get to the hospital so their child can receive care. here to tell us how one man saw those families and decided to help them is an ambassador for gabriel's angel foundation for cancer research, star of "the good wife" and the upcoming cabaret on broadway, please welcome alan cumming. [ applause ] >> our next hero met a 1-year-old boy with a brain tumor who needed frequent chemotherapy treatments. richard nares was stunned by how this boy and their mother made their way to the hospital. they would leave their home at 4:00 a.m., take four buses and arrive four hours later. after chemo with a weakened immune system, this little boy slept in his mother's arms as they would make the same long journey home. so, richard started to give them

a ride in his trusted buick, and that ride led to many more. he started a foundation, bought a van, hired a driver, and provides more than 2,500 free rides for low-income families with children facing cancer. he also offers translation services, help buying lunch, and even enrolls them in the bone marrow donor network. for richard, this work is more than a moral calling. it's personal. >> we live here. it's everyday treatment. i had no car. i had no nothing. i asked the doctors if i can do public transportation, and they say they wouldn't recommend it. she can get an infection. she can get really sick. >> we're in this together. >> it's all i care right now, my daughter's life.

we want to fight. >> you doing okay? good to see you again. the families we serve have a very difficult time getting here. they're susceptible to disease, their immune system suppressed. good morning. ready to go? >> being a single mom with a daughter with cancer is not easy. she's only 2. i'm very blessed to have met them at the time that i did. you want to blow the kiss to the camera? i don't know what i would do without them. >> they can't start the fight without getting to the hospital. we get them here in a nice clean environment and on time. i know what those families go through. my son emilio was diagnosed with leukemia. we were fortunate we had rides to the hospital to bring emilio. many of the families don't have this.

no child should miss their treatment due to lack of transportation. even though he's passed away almost 13 years, it's still like he's with me. to have emilio and to hold him and to be a father, it's almost like a dream. i see kids that remind me of emilio. i hear sounds like emilio will hear. but that's good. because he's here to make sure that i'm doing the right thing. sometimes i wonder, you know, god, do i have to really do this because i lived it? but then i quickly say of course i do. when you're fighting for your child's life, nothing else matters. [ applause ] >> it's my honor to present cnn hero richard nares. [ applause ]

>> to hear the words "your child has cancer," you become paralyzed with fear. i was one of those parents, until i found a way to honor emilio. every day, countless children miss their chemo therapy or other related cancer treatments because they are poor. i want these children to have a fighting chance. please help me make ride with emilio a priority in all children's hospitals. thank you. [ applause ]

in the united states, there is one doctor for every 413 people. in the african nation of cameroon, there is one doctor for every 5,000 people. in cameroon, most live in rural villages and often die from illnesses that are easily treatable because they lack access to medical care and they can't pay for treatment even if there is care. to introduce us to a hero who works tirelessly to bring health care to his country's poor, please welcome the chairman of the peace foundation which assists rural african communities with economic development, star of this season's "boardwalk empire" and "the hunger games: catching fire," the very talented jeffrey wright. [ applause ] >> thank you. thanks, anderson. work doesn't always have to feel like work.

it can be decent, noble, gracious, in its scope and in its promise. that is how dr. georges bwelle approaches his life's work. when he was young, his father was in a car accident, broke his arm, developed an infection, which spread to his brain. too poor to get the care he needed for 21 years, he slipped in and out of consciousness. that is why georges made a promise to his father that when he became a doctor, he would take care of his people. years later, he started the foundation. the villages, people walk for miles sick and in need of surgery and georges and his volunteers help them, nearly 32,000 people today. and he does it for free. his work lifts his people up and it is as decent, noble, and glorious as the sunrise they greet at the beginning of every mission.

>> it was a dream. my family wasn't rich. i was born in a poor family. but my parents did their best to send me to school. for a country like mine, people like to dream, to dance, to enjoy their life. but with poverty, they cannot enjoy their life. so, i decided my own part to fight against poverty. there's no system of insurance in our country. the patient pays for all. so you need to have the money in your pocket for treatment.

if you don't have money, you can't pay. i work for free for those people. before my father passed away, he asked me, you see how people suffer? to see a doctor? you should gather together to help people. today we brought a mobile clinic to the south of cameroon. we are giving people free health care. there you have dentists care. there you have the pharmacy, where people receive drugs for free. and we have the ophthalmologist. they can live 60 kilometers around and they are coming on foot. we are training today to make knots, surgical knots.

for only one weekend, we are doing our own 40 surgical operations. we leave our address for any patient, that if there's any problem, they can come back to us. it was my dream to go and help people. they are happy. i'm doing that to give them opportunity to restart. [ applause ] >> simple. ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present cnn hero award to dr. georges bwelle. [ applause ]

>> thank you. thank you. i'm very proud to represent cameroon tonight. it is an honor to show that local african initiatives like ascovime can lead around the world. everyone has the right to smile, to dream, and to prosper. that's why i travel almost every weekend with my team of cameroonian and international volunteers to reduce pain and to spread hope. everyone is welcome in ascovime.

i invite you to support our work so we can continue to help my people in cameroon and spread this hope beyond our borders. next, mariska hargitay honors a hero with a life-saving invention. and a surprise honor for an everyday superhero who put 800 children's lives before her own. ♪ you know, ronny... folks who save hundreds of dollars by switching to geico sure are happy. and how happy are they jimmy? i'd say happier than a bodybuilder directing traffic.

he does look happy. get happy. get geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. britta olsen is my patient. i spend long hours with her checking her heart rate, administering her medication, and just making her comfortable. one night britta told me about a tradition in denmark, "when a person dies," she said, "someone must open the window so the soul can depart." i smiled and squeezed her hand. "not tonight, britta. not tonight." [ female announcer ] to nurses everywhere, thank you, from johnson & johnson.

welcome back to "cnn heroes." there's an african proverb that says when you become pregnant, you have one foot in the grave. think about that. with nearly 800 women dying every day from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, one woman asks why. why should that be? she then helped create an invention that saves lives. to tell us about her incredible work is the founder of the joyful heart foundation, which helps survivors of rape and domestic violence. star of "law & order: svu," mariska hargitay.

>> good evening. when life knocks you down, it's a struggle to get back up because sometimes we can't see fate at work. lining up things as it does in its mysterious way. for years, dr. laura stachel worked as a top ob/gyn. after she suffered an injury to her back, delivering babies became too painful so she had to stop. but she got up. she went back to school. and a research mission brought her to nigeria to find out why so many mothers and so many babies were dying before, during, and after childbirth. she learned what happened when the hospital lights went out and it haunted her. she carried that horror home with her. and as fate would have it, laura could tell her husband what was needed. and he could design a magic yellow box, which has been

delivered to 400 clinics in 27 countries and countless lives have been saved because she got up and brought a little light to where it's been dark for far too long. >> we arrived in the dead of night and there was literally no light in the health center. hi, are you the midwife working here? >> yeah, i'm the midwife here. >> there was nothing. not even a candle. how many deliveries are you doing? >> it's about 35. >> and how many midwives are working here? >> i'm the only one. >> just you? oh, my goodness. so i said what would you do if you had to do a delivery tonight? she took out her cell phone and she had just the smallest bit of light. so that's it. and if you're doing a delivery

over there, basically that's the light that you have to work with. >> yes. very hard. but what can we do? >> last month, four women actually died from pregnancy complications. the problems i'm seeing in malawi are the same problems i'm seeing in siberia and nigeria and uganda. i don't think that we should stand by and just allow health centers around the world not to have something as basic as light and electricity. so the little step we're taking is a bit of power in a yellow box. this is called the solar suitcase. >> very, very nice. >> the solar panel takes the sunlight and it changes it to electricity. the solar suitcase is really rugged, simple to use, portable. perfect.

turn this on. wow. >> thank you so much. >> you're so welcome. >> we include a series of phone charges. we also provide head lamps. we include a battery charger. and finally because our focus is on maternal health care, we provide a fetal doppler. perfect. that's it. you can move the light where you want it. one of the most beautiful outcomes is that it's just shifted the morale of the health care worker. >> i will be able to give good deliveries. suturing will not be a problem for me. resuscitation of a baby during the night will not be a problem because of the light. it keeps me going. >> we learn about babies that have survived or mothers that weren't turned away. mothers are now eager to come to the clinics. they say i want to deliver in the hospital with the magic yellow box. i really want a world where

women and their families get to celebrate birth, where they don't have to worry whether or not they're going to survive. this is why i'm here on this earth right now. [ applause ] >> it is my honor to present cnn hero, dr. laura stachel. [ applause ] >> none of this would have been possible, and i wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for the ingenuity of my husband hal aronson.

[ applause ] and a very dedicated team of six people who work tirelessly with me, along with volunteers, to make this possible. thank you, cnn, for shining a light on the link between energy poverty and maternal mortality. each night when the sunsets, hundreds of thousands of health workers struggle to save the lives of mothers and infants in near darkness. they need our support. this award is for them. they are the true heroes. thank you. [ applause ] tonight while you're watching, if you'd like to help out one or more of our top ten heroes, your donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to

a total of $250,000. please do it now at cnnheroes.com. throughout the evening, we've had the chance to applaud the brilliant service of so many honorees who dedicated their lives to their critical work. but sometimes something astonishing happens and a person in the face of tremendous adversity finds the courage and grace to put others' lives and safety ahead of his or her own. the woman you're about to meet is remarkable. she certainly did what i just described. she did that and then some on the morning of august 20th, when a troubled 20-year-old man armed with an assault rifle and about 500 rounds of ammunition, walked into the school where she works outside atlanta, georgia. >> there is an active shooter at mcnair elementary school. >> the authorities are surrounding the school. >> bookkeeper antoinette tuft is trapped inside with the gunman and dialed 911. >> i'm in the front office. he just went outside and started shooting.

>> the shooter exchanges gunfire with police. but antoinette doesn't run. when the gunman returns, she relays his demands to police. >> okay, he said to tell them to back off. he doesn't want the kids. he wants the police. so back off. and what else, sir? he said he don't care if he die, he don't have nothing to live for. and he said he's not mentally stable. >> she keeps the gunman in the front office while children continue to sprint out of the building. >> he said but if they come on, he's going to start shooting again. >> parents anxiously wait for news about their children. >> tell them to stand down now! >> antoinette keeps the conversation going for over 20 minutes. >> i can help you, you want to talk to them? want me to talk to them? okay, well let me talk to them and see if we can work it out so that you don't have to go away with them for a long time. >> she uses her best defense, compassion.

>> it's going to be all right, sweetie. i just want you to know that i love you, though, okay? >> she forms a bond with the gunman. >> we all go through something in life. >> and shares her own past struggles. >> i tried to commit suicide last year after my husband left me. but look at me now. i'm still working and everything is okay. >> and in that moment, where so much could have gone so wrong, antoinette tuft convinces michael hill to do the right thing. >> they're coming. so just hold on, michael. go ahead and lay down. >> and he surrenders. >> let me tell you something, baby. >> you did great. >> on that day, courage and decency triumphed over fear and the impulse to do harm. 800 children went on to continue their precious lives. they were safe because antoinette tuft said it's going to be all right. >> oh, jesus. >> you did great. [ applause ]

>> ladies and gentlemen, the woman whose number i want to have on my speed dial so she can tell me that everything is going to be okay any time, antoinette tuft. [ applause ] >> first of all, thank you to my wonderful friend. it's great to see you again. i give an honor to god. i have spent the last 30 years raising, mentoring, and teaching young people that living in fear is no way to live at all. i never thought i could find my purpose while confronting that young man, but i did.

oh, jesus. so i thank you to everyone who has followed my story, has showed support and love in some of the most touching and kind ways. it has meant the world to me. and i encourage all of you to battle your fears and allow your pain to push you into your purpose, too. thank you so very much. [ applause ] next on "cnn heroes," kelly ripa and michael strahan shout it out for a new jersey hero. and later, a man trying single handedly to save the mississippi. a subaru... ...are the hands that do good things for the whole community: the environment, seniors, kids, and animals. that's why we created the share the love event.

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welcome back to "cnn heroes." there are some places in the united states where gang violence and gunfire make the streets a dangerous place to grow up. camden, new jersey, is one of

those places, and only half of the students graduate from high school. to share our next story about a woman who uses dance and discipline and hard work to give a group of resilient kids hope, please welcome a proud supporter of ovarian cancer research and the supporter of st. jude children's research hospital, the hosts of "live with kelly and michael," my friends kelly ripa and michael strahan. [ applause ] >> we're trying not to be afraid, right? we're trying to push through our fear of public speaking. i love new jersey because my dad was born and raised in camden. i was born and raised not far from that city as well. and michael, i am told, loves new jersey because he played, allegedly, for a football team there, right? >> yeah. you're right. >> see that? and we both love our next hero because of what she has done for new jersey, changing the lives

of more than 4,000 students in a city where too many people often give up on them. but not tawanda jones. when she was young, she struggled growing up. what helped her stay focused was the tough love she got from her family and her friends. they taught her self-respect and discipline, and she wanted others to have that kind of support, too. >> that's why tawanda started the candidates sophisticated sisters drill team and then a drum line for the boys. they have a safe place to go after school, they have some fun, and they agree to maintain a c average, complete 200 hours of community service, and they get their homework done. what happens when these kids meet and practice in their abandoned water tower is nothing short of amazing. they are loved, they are challenged, and they shout it out for wawa, their second mom. >> who are we? are y'all ready?

>> it's very hard for children brought up in camden today. it's like they don't have an alternative. like they're forced into the streets. >> we're in the middle of chase street. this is where most of the drug dealers stand. this is where most of the homicides happen. this is the street i live on. this is not one of my favorite streets. some people in here that don't want to kill people. but some people that want to be something when they get older. >> come on. drill team is so good for children as far as the discipline and the structure. that's how you want things to be in your life. on point, intact. decency and in order. >> november 2011, my dad was

shot and killed. i went from as and bs to straight fs. i started getting into a lot of fights, hanging with the wrong people. >> we all have a responsibility to these kids. to extend that hand and say baby, i'm here. you're not by yourself. >> miss wawa, she's like my second mom. >> did you complete your homework? let me check it. who else had homework tonight? >> without her, i really don't know where i would be right now. >> work, destinee, work. >> it changed my life around period. i'm very proud of myself, going from the gpa to a 0.5 to 3.0 in one year is amazing. my mom, she's just speechless. >> when do you take your test? >> i don't think people really understand how important it is to have these children succeed. >> css is definitely going to make history. do you understand that? >> yes. >> so clap it up.

i'm in your teacher's face. i'm in your face. i'm in your parents' face if i need to be, because i want the best for you. come on. go all the way to the end. i go above and beyond because someone did it for me. >> don't give up! >> and you should continue to pass on the blessings. when you do this, you get great rewards. it's better than money. it's so much better than money. ♪ ♪ [ applause ] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

[ applause ] >> ladies and gentlemen, the pride of camden new jersey! >> cnn hero tawanda "wawa" jones. [ applause ]

>> that was incredible. >> thank you so much. thank you. [ applause ] [ applause ] >> i want to give all praises to god. and to my better half, my husband roger jones. this wouldn't have been possible without you. thank you, css for that, and destinee, the young woman you

saw on the screen a few minutes ago, and the kids on the stage. they have all come so far and i'm so, so proud of them. these kids are great. selfless acts of kindness will cause an overflow of blessings you couldn't possibly be ready for. every child has a need, a circumstance, and a desire. we have to let them know that their dreams are possible. if they can believe them, then they can achieve them. it is possible. it is never impossible. listen to me, kids. it is possible. it is possible. it is possible. it is possible.

thank you so much. love you. [ applause ] next, jason biggs offers a caretaker. and still to come, allison williams honors a hero, standing up for the rights of girls. and we'll reveal your pick for cnn hero of the year. hoo-hoo...hoo-hoo. hoo-hoo hoo. sir... i'll get it together i promise... heeheehee.

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welcome back. our next hero is determined to keep our waterways clean. so much so that he has pulled more than 67,000 tires from rivers and streams in this country. i actually profiled him in a story nearly 20 years ago when i was a young reporter just starting out and he was just starting out as well. he is still out there on the water cleaning up what so many of us leave behind. here to tell his story is an actor who proudly supports generosity water, an organization that's dedicated to ending the clean water crisis in developing countries. please welcome one of the stars of "orange is the new black," jason biggs.

[ applause ] >> thank you. one person can make a difference. that's the cliche we always hear. well, i can tell you to believe it. here's why. chad pregracke, one man, used his two hands to pull 45,000 pounds of trash out of the mississippi river. when he was 17, he tried to earn a living fishing, working on barges and diving for mussels, but seeing all that junk messing up the gorgeous banks and islands broke his heart. chad decided to do something about it and spent months with his boat hauling garbage from the river. 15 years later, he's done even more. he started living lands and waters. he has barges and a crane to pull out boats and cars. he's helped plant half a million trees, launched an adopt a river mile program, and so far, 70,000 volunteers completed this monumental work.

sometimes to the sweet sounds of a little karaoke. 23 rivers rolled on because chad, one person, decided to make a difference. >> mist -- the mississippi river is one of the most famous rivers in the world. people get their daily drinking from it. it's a huge migratory flyway for all the birds. it's almost like a huge national park. i grew up right on the river. and i always took it for granted. everything you can imagine winds up in the river somehow. refrigerators, stoves, tires, cars, trucks. we're talking millions of pounds of garbage. let's see what it's like. this stuff just collects here and it goes on for blocks like this. it's a bad deal. as i got older, i realized this should not be like this. and if no one else is doing anything about it, i will.

the first year, it was just myself, a boat, the river, and a lot of trash. i was just pumped up to do it. now here we are 15 years later. went from boat loads to barge loads. you guys ready? >> yeah! >> yeah! we're basically creating an opportunity for people to go out on the river and do something positive. >> you guys will be amazed in two hours how much stuff we get. we gather up all these volunteers, we go out there, we just sweep it clean. it's either freezing cold or super hot. >> it's a good workout. >> this is hard, back-breaking work. you want to make it fun out there.

>> it's yours. it's totally yours. little by little, we're getting it. people want to have fun. and people want to make a difference. i've removed over seven million pounds of garbage since we started. close to 90% of everything we've brought in is recyclable. this is a problem that people created, but a problem that people can fix. that was the last bag! come on, let's give it up! yeah! it's about a cleaner river and about making america a better place. sounds cliche, but that's exactly what we're doing. [ applause ] >> please join me in honoring the river's garbageman, cnn hero chad pregracke. [ applause ] >> thank you.

yeah. yes. yes. obviously a huge honor. i really appreciate it and i accept it on behalf of all the thousands of volunteers that have helped me clean up rivers and continue to do so. so cool. and cnn's cool. i got to throw that out there. that's awesome. i mean, this is great. yes. [ applause ] i love what i do and i love doing something good for the country and it sure is great to be recognized. but it is really cool that cnn does this for all the heroes past. i think there's 200 heroes that have been helped out and their work has been highlighted. i just think it's really cool you guys do this and hopefully will continue to do it. thanks again. and thank you so much. i really appreciate it. such an honor. clean up rivers. next, allison williams

honors a brave woman from kenya, fighting for the rights of her country's girls. and still to come, shea mitchell and a performance by sara bareilles. [ nurse ] i'm a hospice nurse. britta olsen is my patient. i spend long hours with her checking her heart rate, administering her medication, and just making her comfortable. one night britta told me about a tradition in denmark, "when a person dies," she said, "someone must open the window so the soul can depart." i smiled and squeezed her hand. "not tonight, britta. not tonight." [ female announcer ] to nurses everywhere, thank you, from johnson & johnson.

welcome back to "cnn heroes." in kenya, there are many maasai traditions that are beautiful and inspiring and celebrated with great pride. there is one tradition, however, that kenya has now outlawed, and with very good reason. this story may be difficult to hear and inappropriate for some younger viewers at home. but for the 140 million women and girls around the world who have survived female genital mutilation, or fgm, we think it's an important story for everybody to learn about and for all of us to speak out about. in some places, the law has changed, like in kenya, fgm continues. here to tell us one woman's courageous story, please welcome the star of hbo's "girls," allison williams. [ applause ]

>> i am so honored to be able to tell you a little bit about our next hero. she was born in a maasai village in kenya where she was engaged to be married at the age of 5. it is custom there for young women to undergo fgm, cutting, by the time they are teenagers. which also marks the end of a girl's education and the beginning of their preparation for marriage. this was to be kakenya ntaiya's future as well, until she took matters into her own hands. she negotiated a deal with her father, agreeing to undergo fgm in exchange for being allowed to complete high school. after completing high school, she did as no other girl from her village has ever done. she left kenya to go to college in the united states, and her whole village collected money to fund her journey. she promised all of her supporters that she would

someday return home, and in 2009, she did just that. she built the kakenya center for excellence back home in her village, the area's first primary school for girls. today, 155 students attend the school and they all have one thing in common, aside from being girls. their parents have all agreed not to subject them to cutting or early marriage. with uniforms, three meals a day, books, and small class sizes, big dreams take hold. listen to her, watch her work, because her courage is contagious. >> it happens outside. men and women all witnessing you. you're not supposed to cry because brave women don't cry. i avoided the ceremony as far as i could. when i knew that it was going to happen, i had to face my dad and say i would only go through the

cutting if he lets me go back to school. if not, i'm going to run away. i knew that once i go through the cutting, i am going to be married off and my dream of becoming a teacher was going to end. it was done in the morning using a very old rusty knife with no anesthesia. i can never forget that day. i wanted my freedom. but when i reached the u.s., i realized that i needed to help my sisters. hello, how are you, class? when they start at our school, they are very shy. but over time, we see them confident. it's the most exciting thing. they are doing very well. fathers are now saying my daughter could do better than my son. it's still quite difficult to push for change here.

men still control almost everything. >> she's able to convince people about ideas that she has. she has very powerful words. >> our work is more than education. all of you had a good holiday? >> yes. >> nobody got married. >> it's about empowerment so that they can make the decisions for their lives. these girls are saying no to being cut. they want to be a different generation of girls. why should you work hard, to achieve your goals? >> yes. >> and what are your goals? a doctor. president. education has enabled me to become who i am. i came back so girls in my community don't have to negotiate like i did to achieve their dreams. the change is happening. that's why i wake up every morning.

[ applause ] >> ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present cnn kakenya ntaiya. [ applause ] >> thank you. thank you. thank you. in january, we welcomed 30 more girls in our school. i am so glad because it shows that the community is learning

along with girls. my dream is not just that they go to school. it's not just that they will not be cut or not be married at age 12. my dream is for them to get up, to be themselves, and to achieve their goals. and to have a better future. my dream is to create that place for them so that these girls can achieve their full potential. so that they can change their community, they can change our country, and the world. these girls are brave. they are smart. and i'm so proud of them. thank you very much. [ applause ] next, shea mitchell honors a woman who works tirelessly to bring healthy food to those in need.

still to come, sara bareilles honors our heroes with a moving performance. and we announce the cnn hero of the year.

welcome back. our final hero wants the people of the united states to eat healthier. which is we all know not an easy task, even for those who want to improve their diets, in some

communities is difficult. one woman has found a way to bring good food to those who need it most. to tell us her story is star of the tv series "pretty little liars," this will be her third time attending our show, shea mitchell. [ applause ] >> a great idea can hit us at any moment. sometimes it takes hold of us in the simple quiet beauty of our everyday lives. for robin emmons, her idea grew out of the love of her brother. he had struggled with a mental illness for years and she rejoiced when he received the care he needed. but at his group home, he became borderline diabetic because they could only afford to buy packaged processed foods. robin wanted him to eat well. she planted a bigger garden in her backyard and brought him baskets of good food. she soon realized that the problem extended far beyond her brother.

more than 72,000 people in charlotte, north carolina, live without easy access to fresh food. and so robin went bigger. she bought acres of land, built a farm stand, and started sow much good, so bring healthy affordable food into the city's food deserts. that one necessary idea started because she loved her brother. and now it's grown wide for a grateful city. >> there's magic in gardening. that you can drop a seed into the earth and from that there's an amazing fruit that is delicious and so good for your body. that's a miracle to me. i have been gardening pretty much my entire adult life because i want to eat well. i myself have not always had the money to be able to do that. some communities in charlotte,

it's nearly impossible to make a healthy choice. you could call this the miracle mile. pretty desolate in the way of healthy food options. there are barely any supermarkets. once they get there by bus or a neighbor's car or on foot, they are paying a very high price for the food. when i realized that, it made me angry. it made me want to do something about that. we have about 200 volunteers that come out and help us. harvesting the food, getting it to the farm stand. i'm so glad you came. what did you get? we're bringing the food to the community and cutting the cost in half compared to what they would pay a grocery store. >> this is what we were definitely looking for, especially on this side. i think we had to travel, you know, 30, 40 minutes just to get fresh vegetables. >> these are heirloom tomatoes

over here. it's about giving people the chance to choose a healthier lifestyle for themselves. >> six months ago, i was diagnosed with diabetes, and i also found out that my daughter is a borderline diabetic and that terrified me. let's see if we can find something a little better. i am unemployed right now, so it's hard. i have to pinch every penny. sometimes you have to buy the cheaper things. these are beautiful. i couldn't believe all the fresh vegetables and the price was phenomenal. we now have an affordable option to eat the right way. it's making me and my family healthier. >> i started growing food in my backyard. today i grow over nine acres of land. since 2008, we have grown 26,000 pounds of food. >> thank you. have a good day. >> i feel like i am giving them a gift. a healthier, longer, more delicious life.

[ applause ] >> please join me in honoring cnn hero, robin emmons. [ applause ] >> yeah. i'm a farmer. i get that a lot. i am extremely grateful to stand in for this recognition. and i'm thankful to all the people who allow us to come into their communities and bring them the fresh food that they want and so desperately need. we as a society have to take care of one another and raise

the collective consciousness around the issue of food deserts and food insecurity. my hope is that people everywhere will support this work to ensure the basic human right of all people to have unfettered access to clean, healthy, life-giving food. thank you. [ applause ] next on "cnn heroes," sara bareilles salutes our ten heroes. and later, one of these extraordinary men and women will be named the 2013 cnn hero of the year. cnn heroes, an all-star tribute. welcome back. ♪ ♪ ♪

of course i had no idea what it was. i felt like my feet were going to sleep. it progressed from there to burning... to like 1,000 bees that were just stinging my feet. [ female announcer ] it's known that diabetes damages nerves. lyrica is fda approved to treat diabetic nerve pain. lyrica is not for everyone. it may cause serious allergic reactions or suicidal thoughts or actions. tell your doctor right away if you have these, new or worsening depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. or swelling, trouble breathing, rash, hives, blisters, changes in eyesight including blurry vision, muscle pain with fever, tired feeling, or skin sores from diabetes. common side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain and swelling of hands, legs and feet. don't drink alcohol while taking lyrica. don't drive or use machinery until you know how lyrica affects you. those who have had a drug or alcohol problem may be more likely to misuse lyrica. having less pain is -- it's a wonderful feeling. [ female announcer ] ask your doctor about lyrica today. it's specific treatment for diabetic nerve pain.

welcome back. again, if you want to donate, you can go to cnnheroes.com right now. in addition to your donations, the annenberg foundation, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is once again graciously providing this year's honorees with free training, including practical guidance on fundraising, communication management, and more as part of its outcoming program. now a song with a one-word title

that could be used to describe the strength and perseverance of our heroes, here to perform "brave," three-time grammy nominee, the very talented sara bareilles. [ applause ] ♪ you can be amazing you can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug you can be the outcast or be the backlash or somebody's lack of love ♪ ♪ or you can start speaking up nothing's going to hurt you the way that words do when they settle beneath your skin ♪ ♪ kept on the inside sometimes a shadow wins but i wonder what would happen if you say what you wanna say ♪ ♪ and let the words fall out ♪ honestly i want to see you be

brave ♪ ♪ what you want to say and let the words fall out ♪ ♪ honestly i want to see you be brave ♪ ♪ want to see you ♪ i just want to see you ♪ just want to see you ♪ i want to see you be brave ♪ i want to see you ♪ i just want to see you ♪ i want to see you be brave ♪ everybody's been there everybody's been stared down by the enemy ♪ ♪ falling from the fear and disappearing bow down to the mighty ♪ ♪ but don't run and stop holding your tongue ♪ ♪ maybe there's a way out of the cage where you live ♪

♪ maybe one of these days you can let the light in ♪ ♪ show me how big your brave is ♪ ♪ say what you want to say and let the words fall out ♪ ♪ honestly i want to see you be brave ♪ ♪ what you want you to say and let the words fall out ♪ ♪ honestly i want to see you be brave ♪ ♪ and since your history of silence won't do you any good ♪ ♪ did you think it would ♪ let your words be anything but empty ♪ ♪ why don't you tell them the truth ♪ ♪ and say what you want want to say and let the words fall out ♪ ♪ honestly i want to see you be

brave ♪ ♪ what you want to say and let the words fall out ♪ ♪ honestly i want to see you be brave ♪ ♪ i want to see you be brave ♪ i want to see you be brave ♪ i want to see you be brave ♪ i want to see you ♪ i just want to see you ♪ i just want to see you ♪ i want to see you be brave [ applause ]

coming up, anderson cooper reveals the 2013 cnn hero of the year. cnn heroes, an all star tribute is sponsored by subaru. proudly matching dollar for dollar each donation to the 2013 top ten cnn heros. so you can see like right here i can just... you know, check my policy here, add a car, ah speak to customer service, check on a claim...you know, all with the ah, tap of my geico app. oh, that's so cool. well, i would disagree with you but, ah, that would make me a liar. no dude, you're on the jumbotron!

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welcome back. it is now that time of the night. since we announced the top ten heroes, we gave people around the world the opportunity to go to cnnheroes.com and vote for their hero of the year. people have been voting for more than a month. there's been a huge response from people all over the world. all of our heroes received a tremendous amount of support. cnn has awarded each of them $50,000. and the hero with the most votes will receive an additional $250,000 to continue their inspiring work. this brings us to our final honor, the hero of the year. i have it here. ladies and gentlemen, the 2013 cnn hero of the year is chad pregracke. [ applause ]

congratulations. >> you know, umm. [ laughter ] you know, i've met so many great people today, the other heroes. i'm really moved by all their stories and all the things they do around the world. like the 250 grand, i'm just going to give 10 grand to each of them because they're awesome. yeah.

[ applause ] yeah. they're awesome. i just got to say -- yeah. i just want to say i want to thank all the volunteers and especially in my hometown all the people that voted. you know, i just -- i'm humbled to be part of all of this. like, i'll just keep on cleaning up america's rivers and love every minute of it. so thanks a lot. thank you. >> so i want to invite all the honorees back on stage, all of the cnn heroes back on stage. all of these heroes remind us

when we take action against injustice and work to solve problems, we can change the world. i hope you continue to help their causes by donating on cnnheroes.com. you can nominate someone to be 2013 cnn hero. do your part. because you, too, could be somebody's hero. thank you and good night, everybody. ♪ ♪

their stories begin tragically. orthopedic surgeon mary neal was trapped under water for more than 15 minutes. anita moorjani was living her final moments with stage four lymphoma. and ben breedlove's heart stopped beating for minutes at a time. on the brink of death, mary, anita, and ben say they went to heaven and they came back. their stories raise questions about faith and fear. is heaven real? what does it feel like to die? tonight cnn's randi kaye talked with three people who say they have left this world for another. we leave it to them to tell their stories, their words, their answers to questions we all